Catalytic Conversion of Methanol to Olefins over HZSM-5 Catalysts

The reaction patterns of methanol-to-olefins (MTO) conversion over HZSM-5 catalysts have been investigated under industrially relevant conditions. While both aromatics and olefin based routes operate in producing light (C2-C4) olefins, olefin methylation/cracking is the dominant reaction pathway. It is proposed that a hydrogen transfer pathway involving methanol derived intermediates proceeds faster than the classic hydrogen transfer between two olefinic species. The catalytic consequences of phosphorous modified HZSM-5 are sensitive to the reaction environment.